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Around East County: Trine Gallegos: Two area residents were defined by their giving spirit, volunteerism

Joseph P. Lucido | 1925-2012

By Trine Gallegos Contra Costa Times

Posted:
10/31/2012 02:20:39 PM PDT

Updated:
10/31/2012 02:20:40 PM PDT

It is a slice of a quintessential childhood: You can hear the faint sound of the music. Then, the dash begins because the ice cream man is coming!

First, yell at your folks for some change and run -- no, sprint -- back outside to wait.

Yes, ice cream was the ultimate prize but in this case, the man handing out the goods was a special treat as well.

That was the scene for hundreds, maybe thousands, growing up in the 1970s and 80s in Antioch.

Every kid -- every kid -- adored Big Joe, aka Joe Lucido.

At 87, the lifelong Pittsburg resident passed away on Oct. 16.

Although he worked at the steel mill in Pittsburg for more than 30 years, he may most be associated with his 20-some years as an ice cream man.

Of course, the neighborhood kids were thrilled with a frozen treat but Big Joe also shared a good story, a kind comment and a grand smile -- all with a sense of love and patience.

And, for that little one standing on the sidelines with no money, Big Joe always managed to find a treat with a "broken" stick that he had to give away at no charge.

That, in a nutshell, was Lucido -- a giver.

And, that's what so many remember as they post memories of the beloved resident on Facebook and an online guest book.

"Big Joe took my Monopoly money in exchange for an ice cream of my choice. He was one of my best memories of being little," wrote Antioch's Penny Eastwood.

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From Theresa Favaloro-Call: "I have fond memories of Big Joe. If kids didn't have any money, he was so kind and would give it to you 'til next time. I still can hear the ice cream truck music to this day. (He) was very much loved by all the kids in Antioch."

Nearly 100 postings from "kids" on Lynn Avenue to Jacobsen Street to Del Oro Circle and many more shared their love for Lucido.

Before he became Big Joe, Lucido was in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific, fighting battles in Saipan and Okinawa. An impressive solider, he was awarded the combat medal, the good conduct ribbon and the Purple Heart.

Lucido leaves behind daughter Paulette Severns and son Joseph V. Lucido; sisters Mary Lucido and Yolanda Tucker; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Pauline Lucido, brother Arasimo Lucido and his parents. Visitation was held last month at Pittsburg Funeral Chapel with burial at Antioch's Holy Cross Cemetery.

Jody Ellen Jones | 1923-2012

Quiet and unassuming, Jody Jones was nonetheless at the center of countless causes, fundraisers and projects -- all in the name of community.

For her unyielding dedication to her city, Antioch nominated her twice for Citizen of the Year.

On Oct. 25, Jones lost her battle with cancer. She was 88; six days shy of her birthday.

Jones met Smoky, her husband of 60 years, in Boise, Idaho, while working for the phone company, before they moved to Antioch in 1956.

That's when Jim and Phyllis Boccio met the couple.

"She was a funny lady, and very helpful. She would help with (anything)," said Jim Boccio. "You could always count on her. She was a well-liked person, who gave of herself."

Phyllis Boccio enjoyed several trips with Smoky and Jody, recalling some good times on a train trip to Reno and visiting Fort Bragg aboard the Skunk train.

"We had a lot of fun with them," she said.

Jones, who enjoyed working with senior citizens, was rewarded in 1981 with an area transportation award. She helped run the bus office and raise funds for the first senior bus.

In 1983 and 2002, she was nominated for Citizen of the Year for her endless contributions to various groups, including the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, the Delta Learning Center, the Riverview Garden Club and the Antioch Historical Society.

She was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 1998 for her 25 years of tireless efforts with the Contra Costa Food Bank. And, in 2004, she received a plaque in appreciation for 25 years of volunteerism with the Friends of the Animal Services.

She is survived by husband Smoky Joe Jones; daughter Marsha Habberstad (Gary); sister Betty Berg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends. She is preceded in death by parents Edith and William Utley and brother Bill Utley.

A celebration was held late last month appropriately at the Antioch Historical Society Museum. The family encourages donations to the Antioch Friends of the Animals, the Historical Society and the Brun's Hospice House in Alamo.